Maelen began his recording career in the 1960s, including a few singles and work with the Latin Dimension. He soon established himself as a session musician, backing Peter Gabriel (on his 1977 debut album and others), Alice Cooper, Buddy Rich, Tim Curry (his album Read My Lips), Carly Simon, Grace Slick, and Barry Manilow, occasionally contributing background vocals as well. He played percussion on the 1985 David Bowie and Mick Jagger single of Dancing in the Street and on soundtracks for the film Fame and TV series Taxi. Maelen released his only solo album, Beats Workin' , in 1980.